[OCCRA]: Tread material and wheels, part II

[JBotAlan]

Hello,

Maybe I wasn't clear enough.

When I asked for the definition of a wheel, I wanted your answer. The reason I ask is that this seems like an obvious loophole in the rules. What qualifies a wheel as a wheel?

There are no rules on the composition of wheels, making it perfectly legal to buy wheels that are precision machined, with any material used for tread, provided our team does not provide any specifications and the wheels are available to all teams. That is quite alarming, but does not violate any rule.

If the rule is changed to specify that wheels must be composed of materials on the additional materials list, then the current competition-legal wheels we have are illegal--the plastic in the center nor the black "tread" on the outside is on the list.

Please fully define a wheel so I know *exactly* what I can and cannot do.

Also, define carpet. Could we use an old rug, or would that not be allowed because it's not strictly carpet?

Thanks,
Jacob Rau, OCCRA 43 (Holly Robotics)

[Mike Martus]

Lawyering words/rules is often for a purpose.

There are specific limits on wheels this year. We have specified a dollar amount you cannot exceed. The inspectors may ask for proof that the wheels meet the cost containment. If a team cannot provide the documentation and the inspector thinks they possibly exceed the total $$ limit the team may not be passed at inspection.

The rule was added to contain the cost for all teams. Many teams have resources as a result of their FIRST Team activity that others do not have.

A wheel is a wheel is a wheel is a wheel. If it is round, if it rolls, if it is used to propel your robot it is a wheel. Homemade wheels must meet all fabrication rules as well as additional materials list. Purchased wheels are just that - purchased wheels.

Plastic is on the list of additional materials. Yes rubber is listed as sheet and common lawnmower wheels are molded rubber or plastic.

If it is a wheel it is a wheel and we allow wheels. Even precision wheels as long as they meet the $$ rules. This is why we put a $$ value on wheels (total of all wheels used to drive or support your wheels.

To head off your next comment.... Casters are casters are casters are casters. Yes they have a wheel in the center (well most of them). Casters are allowed as they are on the additional materials list.

I suggest that you send me a private message of what your real intent is here so I can answer it. Warning! Any answer I give I will make public but not specify which team asked as others should know the answer.

Yea! Purchased Omni wheels are expensive if that was your intent!

Oh and by the way----- the wheels cannot cause damage to the carpet surface. NO METAL may touch the carpet period. If it is a plastic wheel you may be asked to demonstrate that there is NO harm to the field surface or carpet.

Carpet is carpet is carpet is carpet. If it is sold as carpet it is carpet. If it is sold as a rug it is a rug. Old or new carpet is carpet and a rug is a rug.